| Abstract |
Illuminating the life and music of Johann Sebastian Bach, the author's classic biography has provided generations with an acclaimed portrait of this musical giant. Now, in the wake of the 250th anniversary of the composer's death and important new findings by Bach historians, this important work has been updated and expanded - offering the most accurate and compelling study of Bach available today. Boyd's biographical chapters alternate with commentary on the works, to demonstrate how the circumstances of Bach's life helped to shape the music he wrote at various periods. We follow Bach as he travels from Arnstadt and Muhlhausen to Weimar, Cothen, and finally Leipzig, these journeys alternating with insightful discussions of the great composer's organ and orchestral compositions. As well as presenting a rounded picture of Bach, his music, and his posthumous reputation and influence, the author considers the sometimes controversial topics of "parody" and arrangement, number symbolism, and the style and meaning of Bach's late works. Recent theories on the constitution of Bach's performing forces at Leipzig are also present. The text and the appendixes (which include a chronology, personalia, bibliography, and a complete catalogue of Bach's works) have been thoroughly revised to take account of the research undertaken by Bach scholars, including the gold mine of new information recently uncovered in the former U.S.S.R. Authoritative and comprehensive, this profound volume will be essential reading for everyone interested in the classical composers and the Western musical tradition. |
